General information, not an individual diagnosis. Ask a healthcare professional if you are unsure about your situation.
Coeliac disease is a chronic autoimmune condition of the small intestine linked to gluten. It differs from gluten sensitivity and gluten allergy.
Symptoms can be digestive or less typical. Tell the doctor about unexplained symptoms, tests already performed and any coeliac disease in your close family.
Do not start a gluten-free diet before the diagnosis is confirmed. Tests need to be performed while eating gluten; removing it can produce false-negative results.
If you have already removed gluten, explain this before testing and say when you stopped. Ask the doctor how to prepare for assessment in your circumstances instead of planning reintroduction yourself.
Assessment starts with a blood test looking for specific antibodies, among other measurements. An endoscopy with biopsies may complete the investigation; it is not required in every situation.
Improvement on a gluten-free diet does not establish coeliac disease: other digestive conditions may also improve. Ask the doctor what the tests show and what comes next after assessment.
Sources
Your health review
Review your health
Mon bilan prévention is an appointment to discuss your habits and choose your health priorities. Review the four age groups and practical information.